HUDSON COUNTY – Hudson County Sheriff Frank X. Schillari has announced that he will run for re-election as a candidate in the Democratic Primary this June. Schillari is seeking his second term as sheriff.

He was the first sheriff in the history of Hudson County to introduce a 24/7 patrol program that provides round-the-clock protection, while at the same time reducing overtime, by reassigning desk duty officers to the streets.

Two years ago, Schillari waged a bitter battle to be sheriff when the county’s Democratic establishment withdrew its support from then-Sheriff Juan Perez and decided to back Schillari instead. Perez responded by switching political parties and registering as a Republican. Each man won his party primary in June and then faced each other in the general election in November 2010.

Hudson County Democratic Chairman and Bayonne Mayor Mark Smith said he is happy to support the Sheriff's re-election bid. “Sheriff Schillari has worked hard and proven his worth as a concerned and compassionate leader who cares about our citizens’ safety,” Smith said.

Schillari has also been endorsed by Hudson County Executive Thomas DeGise and North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco, who also serves as a state senator.

A career law enforcement officer, Schillari is a U.S. Navy veteran and retired Secaucus Police Sergeant. Before being elected sheriff he served as an undersheriff for 13 years. Schillari, a native of Jersey City, currently lives with his wife in Secaucus.

April 1 is the filing deadline for candidates who plan to run in the political party primaries in June.